One hundred years ago, James B. Duke signed the Indenture of Trust that led to the creation of Duke University. In the last 100 years, Duke and our community have changed countless lives for the better.  On behalf of Duke’s Office of Gift Planning, we want to express our gratitude for your support as we celebrate Duke’s Centennial and the holiday season. 

This year, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing the profound impact that generous donors make each day—supporting Duke students, programs and faculty, patients and health care providers, and our local and global community. And through bequests, charitable trusts and annuities, and other thoughtful gifts, our planned gift donors are ensuring that so many more will benefit in the future. 

Each planned gift tells a unique story of generosity, passion, and legacy, and each is based on our shared belief in what is possible through the community of Duke, now and in the future. As we look towards the new year and Duke’s second century, we are truly honored to work with you to make those possibilities realities. 

With best wishes for a happy, healthy and peace-filled holiday season, 

About the author

Kristen Brown Smalley, J.D., LL.M

Assistant Vice President of Gift Planning

kristen.smalley@duke.edu

Kristen began her career as a banker and then as a tax attorney, after earning her J.D. from Gonzaga University and LL.M. in Tax Law from Georgetown University but found her true calling almost 20 years ago when she realized how her legal, tax, and financial expertise could help others make charitable gifts to further their passions and priorities. As the Assistant Vice President of Gift Planning at Duke, Kristen now leads a highly skilled team working with our community of donors who are including philanthropy in their financial, retirement, and estate plans. When not at work, Kristen takes any opportunity to explore new cities and countries with friends and family and is savoring every moment she can before her son leaves for college.